Prologue
Every Life Tells a Story
Some people live one life. Others seem to live several — each chapter richer than the last. This is the story of a man who walked the halls of power in Washington, shaped policy across continents, built institutions, protected the Bay, and still found time to run mountain marathons with his son.
Today, that story turns 75 chapters long.
Chapter One
The Foundation
Georgetown · London · Cambridge
It began at Georgetown's School of Foreign Service — one of the world's premier training grounds for diplomats and international leaders. But one degree was never going to be enough.
A J.D. from Georgetown Law. A Ph.D. from Fletcher School.
Studies at the London School of Economics.
Most people choose a career path. Sean Randolph built an arsenal of knowledge — law, diplomacy, economics, international affairs — preparing for a life that would require all of it.
1970sChapter Two
The Corridors of Power
Washington, D.C.
The nation's capital became the stage for a decade of public service at the highest levels. Congressional staff. The White House. The State Department. Each role preparing for the next.
Managing nuclear non-proliferation, energy research, and global oil policy under the Reagan Administration
At State, he served as officer for Asia on the Policy Planning Staff, Special Adviser in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Deputy Ambassador-at-Large for Pacific Basin affairs.
While others observed history, he helped shape it.
1976 – 1988Chapter Three
The Pacific Century
Asia · Latin America · The World
The world was changing. Asia was rising. And Sean Randolph was at the center of it all — leading the Pacific Basin Economic Council, an organization spanning 15 nations, 1,000+ corporations, and countless conferences with heads of state.
— Heritage Foundation Address, 1994
He saw the future of the global economy before most — and dedicated his career to connecting California and America to the engines of growth across the Pacific.
Chapter Four
Building the Bay
San Francisco · Silicon Valley · Sacramento
California became home — and the platform for a new mission: shaping the economic future of one of the world's largest economies. As Director of International Trade for California, he opened doors for companies across the state to reach global markets.
Chairman of the SF Bay Conservation and Development Commission
Protecting the Bay while building the region
For seven years, he chaired BCDC — the body charged with protecting San Francisco Bay's environmental integrity. The economist who became an environmentalist. The diplomat who became a guardian.
1994 – PresentChapter Five
The Road Less Traveled
Alps · Hawaii · Turkey · And Beyond
But the real story isn't just about titles and institutions. It's about a man who never stopped exploring — and who shared those adventures with the people he loves.
The Alps
Canazei · Sierre-Zinal
Mountain marathons through the Dolomites and Swiss Alps. Father and son, conquering peaks together — because at 75, the mountains still call.
Shanghai
China · 2008
A father-son trip to see firsthand the economic transformation he'd studied for decades. The rise of Greater China, experienced together.
Turkey
Istanbul · Cappadocia
Where East meets West. The Hagia Sophia, the fairy chimneys, the Grand Bazaar. History and adventure in equal measure.
Hawaii
Big Island · Maui · Kauai
Paradise in the Pacific. Volcanoes, tropical shores, and the kind of family memories that define a life well-lived.
Bordeaux
France
26.2 miles through vineyards. Wine tastings at aid stations. The French know how to run a marathon.
Austria
Alpine Villages · Ski Slopes
Pristine powder on Austrian slopes. Alpine villages dusted in snow. The kind of skiing that stays with you forever.
United Kingdom
England · Scotland · Wales
Countryside road trips through rolling hills, ancient castles, and coastal villages. History around every bend.
Germany
The Rhine River
Cruising past medieval castles and terraced vineyards. The romantic Rhine, experienced from the water.
The Greatest Chapter
Grandpa
England · Family · Love
Titles and accomplishments fill a resume. But the moments that fill a heart? They're captured in carousel rides and kitchen gymnastics, in woodland walks and pizza dinners, in video calls across the ocean and cuddles on the couch.
Chapter Seventy-Five
The Story Continues
Ian
January 16, 2026